Najas Indica

Description

Najas Indica, also known as Indian Water-Nymph, is a species of aquatic plant native to Asia, Africa, and Australia. It is a perennial plant that grows in freshwater ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. Najas Indica is a popular choice for aquarists because of its beautiful appearance and ease of care. It has a unique feature of growing up to the water surface to get sunlight, where it can create a thick mat of leaves. This plant is also known for its ability to oxygenate water, making it a beneficial addition to any aquatic ecosystem.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Najas Indica has long, slender stems that can grow up to 2 feet in length. Its leaves are narrow and pointed, measuring about 1 inch in length. The leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem and can have a reddish-brown color. They are translucent and delicate, giving the plant a unique appearance. The plant can also produce small, greenish flowers that are barely visible. When grown in the aquarium, Najas Indica can create a dense mat of leaves on the water surface, providing a hiding place for fish and other aquatic creatures.

Care Guide

Najas Indica is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:

• Water: Najas Indica thrives in freshwater with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of water hardness levels, but it prefers moderately hard water.
• Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilizer, but it can benefit from occasional doses of liquid or root tabs fertilizers.
• Soil: Najas Indica can grow in any substrate, but it prefers a nutrient-rich substrate like aqua soil or clay.
• Sunlight: This plant requires moderate to high lighting levels to grow well. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not grow as quickly.
• Hardiness Zones: Najas Indica can grow in hardiness zones 8-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Najas Indica is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by some common problems:

• Algae: If the plant is exposed to too much light or nutrients, it can develop algae on its leaves. You can prevent algae growth by reducing the lighting levels and avoiding overfeeding your fish.
• Brown Rot: Brown rot is a fungal disease that can affect the plant’s leaves. It causes the leaves to turn brown and fall off. You can prevent brown rot by maintaining good water quality and avoiding overfeeding your fish.

Habitat

Najas Indica is native to Asia, Africa, and Australia, where it grows in freshwater ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making it a versatile plant for aquarists. In the wild, Najas Indica plays an important role in oxygenating the water and providing a habitat for fish and other aquatic creatures.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Najas Indica grow in brackish water?

A: No, Najas Indica requires freshwater to grow properly.

Q: Can Najas Indica be grown in a fish bowl?

A: No, Najas Indica requires a larger aquatic environment with a filter and proper lighting to grow well.

Q: Can Najas Indica be propagated by cuttings?

A: Yes, Najas Indica can be propagated by cuttings. Simply cut a stem and plant it in the substrate. It will grow roots and become a new plant.

Q: Can Najas Indica be grown emersed?

A: Yes, Najas Indica can grow emersed and create a thick mat of leaves on the water surface.

Related Plants

• Najas Guadalupensis
• Najas Flexilis
• Najas Minor
• Najas Grassi

References

• “Najas Indica.” Aquatic Plant Central, https://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/plantfinder/details.php?id=48.
• “Najas Indica – Indian Water-Nymph.” Aquarium Tidings, 22 Nov. 2020, https://aquariumtidings.com/najas-indica-indian-water-nymph/.
• “Najas Indica.” Tropica, https://tropica.com/en/plants/plantdetails/Najasindica(033TCA)/4460.